Part of Alexandria is served by a combined sewer system which dumps untreated sewage into streams flowing to the Potomac River during many storm events. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has given the city many permits for this system and in the most recent one is requiring the city to develop a long-term control plan for Hunting Creek bacteria no later than December 31, 2035. Repeat: 2035, 20 years from now!

The city will hold a public meeting on February 5, 2015 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at City Hall, Sister Cities Room 1101, 301 King Street to explain the combined sewer system, the impacts of combined sewers on surface waters and progress to date. This meeting will provide an opportunity for residents to provide public comment.